Control Apparatus and Method for Sharing Information in a Collaborative Workspace

Abstract

A method and system of controlling display of information from a plurality of video sources on at least one presentation space, the method comprising the steps of providing at least first and second selectable control interfaces, each interface including a separately selectable control associated with the at least one common display screen presentation space and a selectable off control, uniquely associating video sources with the control interfaces, for each control interface (i) receiving an indication each time the selectable control is selected and receiving an indication each time the selectable off control is selected, (ii) upon receiving an indication that the selectable control has been selected, providing the video source associated with the control interface to the presentation space; and (iii) upon receiving an indication that the selectable off control has been selected, cutting off the video source from the presentation space.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13 / 912,442 which was filed on Jun. 7, 2013 and which is titled “Personal Control Apparatus And Method For Sharing Information In A Collaborative Workspace” which is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 474,670 which is titled “Personal Control Apparatus and Method For Sharing Information In A Collaborative Workspace” which was filed on May 29, 2009 and which was also a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13 / 481,436 which is titled “Collaboration Method And Apparatus” which was filed on May 25, 2012, each of which is incorporated herein in its entirety.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT[0002]Not applicable.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]The present invention relates to the presentation of audiovisual information via one or more large format common displays in a collaborative workspace and more ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a method for controlling a presentation system with multiple display screens. The system includes a control interface for each user, which provides feedback to the user about which display screen they are using. The control interface includes buttons or indicators that visually indicate which user is presenting information via the screens. The method also includes a wireless access device that can connect to the presentation system and provide information to the user for sharing via the screens. The control interface can also include illumination devices that indicate different states or conditions. The technical effects of this patent include improved usability and flexibility for presenting information in a more efficient and effective way.

Problems solved by technology

Though straightforward and simple, having to repeatedly disconnect and connect the cable from one laptop computer to another takes time and is disruptive.

Further, known such arrangements do not provide a quick and intuitive indication as to which presenter is sharing their information via the video display screen.

As a result, meeting presenters and participants may experience confusion and delay between transitions.

Such user experiences may result in a loss of productivity and in general, can be significant impediments to the successful collaboration between conference participants and willingness of participants to use the system.

Thus, while solutions for managing and controlling the flow of information from interconnected computing devices have been developed, known solutions do not provide simple and intuitive steps for selecting which information is shared via the video display and for indicating which of several video / audio resources currently control presented information.

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